This Easy Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is all about tender beef pieces simmered in a rich, tasty gravy. It’s the perfect dish for cozy dinners!
Honestly, the smell while it cooks is the best part! I love serving this over mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin for its flavor and tenderness. Stew meat works too, especially if you want a more budget-friendly option. Just remember, tougher cuts may take longer to tenderize.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness to the dish. If you have shallots or green onions, those can be nice substitutions, offering a different flavor twist.
Worcestershire Sauce: This brings depth to the gravy. You can replace it with soy sauce for a different but rich flavor or simply leave it out if you’re avoiding it.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the gravy. If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch can be used instead. Just mix it with a little cold water before adding it to avoid clumps.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Gravy Thickness?
Thickening gravy can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. Making a roux by cooking flour with butter first helps to blend smoothly into the gravy.
- Once you’ve browned the beef and cooked the onions, save a bit of the cooking liquid to add to the roux.
- Mix the cooked flour and butter for about two minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Gradually whisk in the cooking liquid until it’s smooth, then add this back into the skillet. This will help avoid lumps in your gravy.
- Simmer for a few extra minutes for it to thicken properly.
If it’s still too thin, don’t panic! You can whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water until you reach your desired thickness.
Easy Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 1 to 1 ½ hours to cook. So, you will need a total of about 1 hour and 40 minutes, which includes simmering the beef to make it nice and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches so they have space to brown properly. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it is softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well.
4. Simmer the Beef:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Check occasionally to ensure it is cooking evenly. You’re looking for the beef to be tender and flavorful.
5. Make the Gravy:
While the beef is simmering, in a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
Next, gradually whisk in some of the cooking liquid from the beef into the roux until you’ve got a smooth mixture. Then pour this back into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine and let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. This will thicken your gravy nicely.
7. Final Touches:
Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if desired. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch and some extra color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a filling and comforting meal. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Beef Tips and Gravy
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin is great for tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or brisket. Just note that tougher cuts may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
